First in the UK to complete pioneering Fire Door Installation Qualification

Students at Pontardawe College, part of NPTC Group of Colleges, have become the first in the UK to complete the UK’s first fire door installation training qualification.

Earlier this year, The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) launched, in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges, a new qualification specifically to target the installation of fire doors in the UK.

Learners from Newport City Homes and Family Housing Association (Wales) became the first in the UK to complete the ‘Installing Fire Resisting Timber Door Assemblies and Doorsets in the Workplace’ course.

The course is designed to be a practical introduction to installing fire doors and will cover a range of topics including: the fitting of fire doors, fire door frames and linings; understanding and fitting of fire door ironmongery and seals; the inclusion of apertures and associated fire regulations related to the fitting of glass; and the effects of use on fire door performance.

NPTC Group of Colleges’ Principal and CEO, Mark Dacey, is pleased to support the qualification,

He said: “A fire door is a vital safety device engineered to save lives and property. The BWF-Certifire will reinforce safe working practice amongst the industry and allow further education to deliver holistic training in the scheme to support the sector.”

The qualification is available as an optional unit for apprentices from NPTC Group of Colleges as well as a two- to three-day course aimed at experienced tradespeople. It also provides a mechanism for Fire Doors to be included on the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which is used on larger construction sites to demonstrate individual competencies.

A celebration at the Senedd is planned in 2019, to recognise the hard work undertaken and support provided in the realisation of this ground-breaking approved training.

Students from Newport City Homes and Family Housing Association (Wales) were supported by the Upskilling@Work and Skills for Industry Projects.

There is funding available through the Upskilling@Work and the Skills for Industry projects supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government which is designed to enhance skills and increase productivity in the workforce.